For as long as I can remember, I have driven Japanese imports, mainly Hondas and Toyotas. In fact, since 1983, I have owned 2 Honda Accords (I currently own a 1995), a Honda Odyssey (2000), and a Toyota Camry. Every one except the Odyssey (it's too new) I have driven for over 120,000 miles until they have "died". Unfortunately, my 1995 Accord seems like it will bite the dust soon as the inside of my rear body has rusted out do to a window leak. I also have two kids (now teens) who have grown tremendously since 1995 and can no longer fit in the back of the Accord without complaining on long rides.

Of course, being the kind of guy that I am, I start researching Camry vs. Accord. First, I drove a 2002 Toyota Camry SE with a manual transmission. It was nicely designed vehicle. However, I found the engine too sluggish and the car did not have standard Anti-Lock brakes (they are an option and are hard to find on a 4-cylinder manual). Also, bad experiences with past negotiations at Toyota dealers here has turned me away. Since I know the guys at the local Honda dealer, I decided to test-drive an Accord EX V6. I was amazed at how well Honda had redesigned this vehicle since 1995 and it has found great favor with me.

Performance: Honda has done a great job with their engines since the introduction of the VTEC system and they just keep getting better. The 200-hp V6 picked up as well as the V6 in my Odyssey van, if not better (Of course, the Accord is a lighter car). However, the Accord's engine is much quieter than the Odyssey. From my experience with my test drive, I found that it is easy to speed in this car as the car reached 65 MPH on the expressway faster than I expected. I wish there was a manual transmission available with the V6 as I love driving manual transmissions. The 4-cylinder in the 2002 Accord has only 3 more horses than my 1995, so I think I'll stick with the 6. The car also took every curve on the back roads with ease and the ride was not the slightest bit bumpy.

Interior: The interior of the Accord EX V6, to me, resembles the high-quality of an Acura. The leather is nice and soft (even on the door panels), but the seats are not heated. Also, the seat still catches my thigh like it does in my 1995 Accord. Thankfully, the 8-way power driver seat (4-way for the passenger) solved the problem temporarily. The auto climate control is easy to use and works well. Honda also has managed to fit a cassette player AND 6 disc in-dash CD changer into the vehicle (A rarity in similar vehicles). As for room, the rear has tons of room and my 16-year old son who came with me had no complaints in the back.

Overall: Honda is good with making cars that give you a lot of bang for the buck and this one is no exception. For the $25740 sticker, you get many features that would cost you a lot more in similar vehicles, including the Camry.

However, I have also had my eye on the new 2002 Nissan Altima (see my review). That vehicle has the power seat I want (ABS is an option, though), has a manual transmission, picks up just as well as the Accord, retails for about $3000 less (without leather), and has a more modern look to it (although it doesn't really matter to me). My teenage son likes manual transmissions as well and thinks the Altima looks less conservative than the Accord, but since I will be using the car more than he, I get to decide. The Altima with a manual is a rarity and I think getting what I want with Nissan will cost me time and money. On the other hand, Accords are plentiful and I know the dealer, so I may do better with the Accord.

The Accord is not a perfect vehicle, but it is a reliable vehicle that should please just about everybody. Hey, if Car and Driver doesn't mind naming a slightly boxy car one of its "10 Best", I don't mind driving it.

NOTE: The Accord is to be completely designed for 2003. Rumors on the Internet point to a sportier design, more powerful engines (maybe up to 240 HP), and even a 6-speed manual! Maybe I'll wait to buy.

UPDATE (1/26/02): I have decided to buy the Camry over the Accord. Both are similar cars; however, I discovered that the Accord only had an "Acceptable" crash test rating (it got poor marks due to major injury to the driver's right leg) and my insurance company quoted me a much higher rate for the Accord than the Camry (the Camry costs less than what I am paying now). Also, I got the features I needed in a Camry for about $1000 less.


Amount Paid (US$): 25740
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: EX V6